Giving Back: Six Ways You Can Help Others

Giving back by helping others is one of those gifts where the giver receives something, too. It’s very fulfilling to reach out and find a way to help other people. And in our modern culture that promotes isolation, reaching out is getting more rare…and more necessary.

If you’re looking for ways to give back and reach out, here are six ways you can do that.

1. Pay a Compliment

Does that seem too small? You’d be surprised. Paying someone a compliment can absolutely lift their spirits and make their day. There’s almost always something you can compliment about a person – fingernail design/color, a piece of jewelry, an article of clothing, or a hairstyle.

Take this a bit further and pay a compliment to someone that is not superficial. Compliment their good attitude, for example, or point out their calm under pressure. Just simple compliment can mean so much.

2. Volunteer

While it may not seem personal at first, volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community while making individual people feel supported and cared about. Here are some ideas of where you can volunteer.

* Your local house of worship is a good place to start. There is almost always a charity program going on or coming up, and volunteers are always needed.

* Homeless shelters and soup kitchens always need a helping hand. You’ll help the hard-working coordinators who run the shelter or kitchen, and you’ll also help those in need who come there.

* Nursing homes are another great possibility for volunteering. Residents may appreciate a visit, and the staff might have you help decorate or clean up for an event.

3. Be Friendly

Just being nice and smiling at people can give them a lift for the day. Say hello and give folks a smile, and you may be a more positive influence than you know.

4. Donate

Whether you give your used stuff to someone personally or to your local second-hand shop, the effect is the same: you get to give something to someone that they might otherwise not be able to afford. You can also donate money to a charity that you believe in and want to see flourish.

5. Show Someone How to Do Something

Does your mother not understand the computer? Does your dad have technical problems with watching videos online? Maybe your child is struggling with math or some other subject at school, or your niece needs someone to show her how to play soccer. It may not be a relative; but most of us know someone who needs help learning a skill. Step up and teach!

6. Do a Chore for Someone

Whether it’s taking out the garbage for the elderly person down the road or mowing someone’s lawn, stepping up to do a much-needed chore can be a tremendous help.

There are so many ways you can help others. Just use a little creativity and be willing to help wherever it’s needed.

About Pam Myers, BSEd

Pam Myers received a BsEd in Education and her teaching credential from USC and was a 6th grade teacher for 13 years for the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach, CA. She and Dr Bob met at USC and were married in 1971. Pam is the proud mother of two grown children, Lauren, who is a Special Education teacher in the La Habra School District and a son, Greg, who is a TV and Film editor. She retired from the public schools to raise her family and has continued to work with children and families through various activities including serving as a PTA president, working with OC Philharmonic Association to bring music education to children and is serving in the youth ministry at her church. Pam and Bob worked as a team on his radio shows and she provided management support in his private practice. Painting and live theater are her passions as well as the protection of children and animals.

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